The Google Pixel Fold is likely to be unveiled at Google IO 2023, but the official launch will reportedly take place sometime in June.
Google is set to host the Google IO 2023 event on May 10, where the company is expected to launch its first folding smartphone, reported to be called the Pixel Fold. Ahead of the official announcement, new details about the smartphone have surfaced, including its launch time and specifications.
According to an internal document obtained by CNBC, the Google Pixel Fold is likely to be unveiled at Google IO 2023, but the official launch will take place sometime in June. It could mean that Google might host a standalone event for the Pixel Fold where the exact launch date would be revealed. The Pixel Fold will reportedly cost over $1,700 (roughly Rs 1.40 lakh). In contrast, Pixel Fold’s counterpart, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, carries a starting price tag of Rs 1,54,999 for the base 256GB storage in India.
The report states the Google Pixel Fold, internally codenamed Felix, will have a “durable hinge” with a “water-resistant” body. Unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 4, the Pixel phone is said to be much more compact with a squarish display. The cover display may offer a viewing area of 5.8 inches, while the main tablet-sized screen may offer a 7.6-inch viewing area.
We can expect the front or the cover screen to feature an OLED panel, but the main display may use an advanced polymer material to achieve flexibility and durability. The rear panel housing the camera may feature a glass finish, similar to the Pixel 7 Pro. The report highlights that the Pixel Fold would weigh 283 grams, making it roughly 29 grams heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 4.
The Pixel Fold is also expected to be powered by Google’s proprietary Tensor G2 SoC (system-over-chip), which powers the latest Pixel 7 series. The same SoC will reportedly feature on Pixel 7a — the toned-down variant of Pixel 7, expected to launch on May 10.
While the Pixel Fold will compete against the Galaxy Z Fold 4, both Samsung and Google have been working closely to improve the software experience on Android phones. Samsung’s new folding phones, including the Galaxy Z Flip, run a custom Android L version for tablets and foldables. Google, being the pioneer of the Android OS, may boast the Pixel Fold’s clean interface and exclusive features, available on Pixel devices. Google may also optimise its in-house apps, such as Gmail, YouTube, Calendar, and so on for this form factor.
Once the Pixel Fold launches, Google may think twice before introducing the device to India. While its current-gen flagship, the Pixel 7 series, is available in India, the company is usually reserved for its new product categories (such as Pixel Watch) in the country.
